Daimler Increases its Support for Refugees

STUTTGART -- June 8, 2015: Daimler AG's commitment to respect and tolerance means taking on social responsibility, demonstrating support, and putting that support into action. In light of the current refugee situation, the company is increasing its engagement in refugee aid: For the next three years, Daimler is giving the City of Stuttgart EUR 100,000 per year for the establishment of a Welcome Fund; it also supports a staff position to coordinate the fund. The Welcome Fund is meant to finance educational, sports, and leisure programs as well as training for volunteers that cannot be covered by government resources. Moreover, the company is donating two Mercedes-Benz Transporters that can be used by organizations for refugee aid. With another EUR 100,000, Daimler is supporting the Bürgerstiftung Sindelfingen; this money will be used to integrate newly arriving refugees, among other things.

Integrity, as one of the four company values, is the foundation for Daimler's work. Therefore, the company places great emphasis on the promotion of intercultural understanding among its employees. Even in the apprenticeship there are programs and modules that feature integrity, compliance and diversity. Each year, the company sends about 80 apprentices for several weeks to foreign countries such as Turkey or China to expand their language and intercultural skills. For the first time in the spring of 2015, ten apprentices worked on the Action Reconciliation Service for Peace in Poland. They helped with social projects and got a personal glimpse of German history. This included visiting the former concentration and extermination camp at Auschwitz and meeting witnesses from that time period. Daimler also offers further training seminars on integrity and intercultural competence for all management levels. A pilot seminar was launched in 2014 for foremen at the Gaggenau plant on the topic of intercultural skills. The feedback was so positive that it has been added to the regular seminar schedule.

"As a company, we must take responsibility and face the social challenges of the day," said Dr. Christine Hohmann-Dennhardt, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Integrity and Legal Affairs. "At Daimler we want to send a signal and do our part for more respect and tolerance. I am particularly pleased that the company and its employees are pulling together on this issue."

Daimler's employees support the company's initiatives and play an active role. Michael Brecht, Daimler's General Works Council Chairman, emphasized the employees' contributions. "Daimler's employees are always willing to help out spontaneously and donate to persons in need, as seen during terrible natural disasters and refugee situations in the past and present. The employees and the company also support numerous national and international social projects with our donation program, ProCent. Many colleagues work on the projects and are devoted to helping others, and it never fails to impress."

A wide array of activities is needed to meet the current requirements for respect and tolerance in society, economy and politics. For this reason, Fritz Kuhn, mayor of Stuttgart, welcomes the Daimler initiative. "The growing number of persons from crisis areas who seek refuge here means big challenges for our municipalities," explained Kuhn. "On the one hand, we need suitable accommodations for the refugees, on the other we must assist them and help them adjust to their surroundings. To this end, we need acceptance from our residents and support from economy." Kuhn thanked Daimler AG for its generous commitment, which can be put to use especially to promote activities for refugee integration.

For actor Hardy Krüger, who campaigns against xenophobia and right-wing violence in Germany and around the world in articles, theater performances, books and talk shows, it is personal experience that motivates him to get involved. "I lived through Nazi Germany as a child. So I want to make sure nothing like that happens again. Since the scribbling of swastikas at the synagogue of Cologne in 1957 I clearly judge Neo-Nazis. The democratic majority must take a stand and cannot allow right-wing agendas to become acceptable again." Hardy Krüger is on a "City Hall Tour" of German cities with the slogan "Together against right-wing violence". He talks about his experiences during the violent Nazi regime and warns against the current threats from right-wing activists. Daimler was a sponsor of this event.

During his tour, the actor works with the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, which aims to reinforce a democratic civil society against right-wing extremism, racism and anti-Semitism. Anetta Kahane, chairperson of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, advocates more involvement and public action against the right wing: "Right-wing extremists cultivate fear and use prejudices to agitate against refugees, resulting in physical attacks and arson. So it is all the more critical to make a clear stance for the basic right of asylum, to protect refugees, and to work with municipalities, community initiatives and economy to create a culture of welcome and social participation."